DNA test (hereditary conditions)
Description
A DNA test checks whether a dog carries a specific variant that causes a hereditary condition. A breed's approved breeding programme lists which DNA tests are mandatory or recommended, with the variant tested. You will find them on the breed profile.
How the examination is carried out
Age: from birth in almost all breeding programmes. Frequency: once. A sample for a DNA test can be taken with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. Clear by parentage: when both parents of a breeding dog have tested clear by DNA and parentage verification has shown that they are the parents, the breeding dog does not need to be tested again.
How to read the result
For autosomal recessive conditions the result is clear (2 normal gene copies), carrier (1 normal and 1 variant gene copy, with a 50% chance of passing the variant on), affected (2 variant gene copies: the dog will develop symptoms and passes the variant on to all its offspring) or untested. In most breeding programmes the breeding advice is positive for clear with clear, carrier, affected or untested; the other combinations are subject to a breeding ban. Dogs affected by autosomal recessive conditions may only be used if the welfare of the dog and the offspring is assured. For conditions with a different mode of inheritance, the breeding programme gives its own table.
Breeds for which this screening is recommended
We are rebuilding the health information for each breed from the official breeding programme of Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). Until then, you can find the mandatory and recommended health tests for this breed in the breeding programmes under the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). View the official breeding programmes
